Christofle La Main du Destin | Silver Plate Paperweight

Item Type: Pre-Loved

A silver-plated hand, cast life-size and engraved with the lines of palmistry — a Christofle object that sits between desk accessory, sculpture, and conversation piece, and belongs on all three counts.

Known as La Main du Destin, this is one of the more singular objects in the Christofle catalogue — a full-scale hand in silver plate, the palm surface engraved in French with the classical lines of chiromancy: life, heart, head, fate. The Christofle mark is impressed on the reverse. At 7.5 × 6 × 5 cm and 450 g, it has the weight and presence of a proper sculptural object. Produced circa 1970. This piece comes without the original booklet or packaging.

Charles Christofle established his Paris house in the 1830s and by the 1840s had secured the French patents for electrolytic silver plating — a process that brought the finish of silversmithing within reach of a far wider market. Under Napoleon III he was named Fournisseur de l'Empereur, supplying the imperial palaces and the Orient Express. The house has continued producing silverware, objects, and tableware from Paris ever since, collaborating with designers across every period of French decorative arts.

Key Features

• Finish / Hardware: Silver plate · engraved palmistry lines · Christofle mark impressed on reverse
• Era: circa 1970 · French production
• Features: Life-size hand form · chiromancy engraving in French · substantial weight
• Included: Paperweight only · original booklet and packaging not included

Dimensions

7.5 × 6 × 5 cm · 450 g

Care Instructions

• Wipe with a soft dry cloth to maintain the silver-plate finish
• Avoid abrasive cloths or chemical silver dips — they will remove the plating over time
• A silver polishing cloth used gently will address any tarnishing on raised surfaces
• Keep away from prolonged humidity to prevent oxidation

Item Details:

Brand: Christofle

Made in: France

Material: Silver plated

Detailed Dimensions:

• Width: 6 cm
• Length: 5 cm
• Height: 2 mm
• Diameter:
• Weight: 450 g

Our commitment is simple:

• buy fewer, choose with intention
• invest in quality that endures and can be repaired
• favour pre-loved pieces, and noble materials that are plastic-free and chemical-free
• support European makers and considered production
• adopt a quieter, more responsible way of living

Thoughtfully crafted and sourced in Europe, each piece combines enduring design with lasting quality — helping you surround yourself with beauty.

Indicative Delivery Times:

• Italy: 2-4 working days
• European Union: 2–7 working days
• Rest of the world: 3–10 working days
• Standard and Express delivery available at checkout.

Shipping Costs:

• Italy from €4.90 EUR
• European Union from €6.90 EUR
• Rest of the World calculated at checkout

Free Delivery:

• Italy and European Union: Orders above €100 EUR
• Rest of the World: Orders above €500 EUR
• Express delivery are not subject to free delivery.

Shipping Schedule:

• We ship Monday to Friday, excluding Italian bank holidays.
• Orders placed before 6pm CET (on a work day) are shipped next day.

Customs & duties: For orders outside the EU, any applicable customs fees or duties are the responsibility of the buyer

NB: From our home in the heart of Tuscany, parcels are collected and shipped by our partners on Italian business days only (Monday to Friday).

See our full shipping policy: here

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Return Window

You have 28 calendar days to return unused, tagged items in their original packaging.

Easy Returns

Just contact us, and we’ll arrange your return.

Italy:

• Drop-off point: €2.90 EUR
• Home collection: €5.50 EUR

(Return costs will be deducted from your refund.)

European Union & Rest of the World:

• We don’t currently offer free returns, but we’ll support you wherever possible.
  

Damaged or Wrong Item?

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Non-Returnable Items

Earrings, beauty products, final sale items, and pre-loved products in “Fair” condition, as well as e-gift cards.

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See our full Returns & Refunds Policy for more details.